An Alexandria-based nonprofit is planning a concert to raise funds for local child abuse prevention programs.
The Center for Alexandria’s Children has announced its annual “Banding Together: A Benefit Concert to End Child Abuse,” which is planned from 7-10:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron Street). This year’s lineup includes local performers from School of Rock Alexandria and Guilty Ghost, led by Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter.
A team of professionals in Alexandria has received a top statewide award for its work responding to allegations of child abuse.
Earlier this month, the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) from the Center for Alexandria’s Children received the 2025 MDT of the Year recognition by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia (CACVA) at the Virginia Crimes Against Children Conference in Virginia Beach.
Alexandria’s former sheriff and a retired principal from Alexandria City High School will be honored during a gala hosted by the Center for Alexandria’s Children this winter.
Retired sheriff Dana Lawhorne will receive CAC’s Champion for Children Award, while longtime educator John Porter will receive the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award at the nonprofit’s benefit concert in February.
Nearly 1,000 Alexandria children have received emergency resources since the opening of ALX Closet in 2024.
The resource center at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive) is a collaboration between nonprofits The Center for Alexandria’s Children and The Fund for Alexandria’s Child, providing kids with donations of clothes, diapers, formula, and more to families experiencing a crisis.
The Center for Alexandria’s Children has named Terri Cheshire as its new Executive Director.
Cheshire, who’s been serving as Acting Executive Director recently, got the job after a nationwide search. She brings more than two decades of experience in child welfare, forensic interviewing, and advocacy to the table.
Seven Old Town Alexandria boutiques are joining forces for a first-ever group fundraiser to support The Center for Alexandria’s Children from June 14 to 29.
The participating stores – 529 Kids Consign, Monday’s Child, Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, Old Town Books Jr., Penny Post, Pippin Toy Co., and Red Barn Mercantile – are working together to raise funds and collect donations for the Center’s mission to end child abuse.
The Center for Alexandria’s Children is undergoing a leadership change, with Executive Director Giselle Pelaez stepping down after 16 years at the helm. Terri Cheshire, M.A., who joined the center full-time in 2021 after working as a consultant, will take over as Acting Executive Director.
In a press release, the organization’s Board of Directors praised Pelaez’s dedication and impact, noting her key role in bolstering child advocacy efforts in Alexandria and fostering a collaborative, compassionate approach to addressing child abuse.
